Choosing pedago or igo

[Newbie ebiker]

I am in my 60s and sold my peddle bike to get an ebike. I am considering the Pedego commuter or the IGO with integrated battery.
What are the pros and cons of each? The Pedego is great but really heavy. At 5'3", 120 lbs I struggle to lift it.
Thanks

 

[Berry78]

Hello, and welcome!

It is hard to recommend a bike with so little information about what you need in a bike, and your particular situation.

The best advice I have heard is ride the bikes, and pick the one that puts the biggest smile on your face. But, make sure that reaction is tempered with your particular use and budget. The most exciting bike in the world won't work for you if it's too expensive (or whatever).

Sounds like weight is a factor. Are you going to need to pick up the bike on a regular basis? Stairs? Bike racks? If you live in a single story house, and never plan on transporting the bike, weight may not actually be a big factor.

Which bike felt better to ride? Smoothness in the ride/smoothness in the motor? Do you need hill capability? Were you able to test on hills? Which bike looks nicer to you? Warranty differences? Distance or speed requirements?

This is not an exhaustive list, but should give you a good idea as to some questions to answer for yourself. Be sure to take a second test ride, as you may notice different things the second go 'round.

Good luck!

 

[Newbie ebiker]

Thanks for the prompt response. I live in Helena Montana presently and there are no cycle shops that carry e bikes. I will new lifing the bike onto a car rack. When I was in Los Angeles I test drove the Pedego. Loved it however it was heavy and the battery was not integrated into the frame.
This is Rocky Mountain country so need a bike that can do hills better than I can. I needed the smaller frame of the Pedego. If you can tell me the pros and cons of each I can decide from that.

 

[Berry78]

The IGo is also going to be very heavy..over 50lbs. Just wondering how you narrowed it down to these two companies?

Since you are talking hills, I believe the IGo's geometry is going to be more hill friendly. The super-upright position on the Pedego may make hills more difficult. Hoping someone who has a Pedego in hill country could chime in here.

Both bikes have a hub motor, which generally aren't considered the very best for hills. Would you be willing to consider a mid drive? Another reason to consider a mid drive is flat tires may be easier to deal with, depending on the setup.

In your situation, a company's return policy is important (in case the bike doesn't do what you want it to), and what if something goes wrong, who is going to help you fix the problem?

Visit whatever bike shops are already in Helena to get a feel for who might help you with the regular bike maintenance. Then see who might help with your motor system.

Personally I will have to drive 2-3 hours for my motor maintenance (one way), so not everyone has a shop right down the street.

Lots of considerations, but this will be a big investment, and it is worth the extra effort to do a bit of legwork beforehand. Pedego is a company with a great reputation, I am not familiar with IGo.

So, check to see about return policies, maintenance, and repair issues. It is also important to test ride bikes to make sure they are comfortable.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

You might be able to make your life a little easier by getting the Thule rack that has the little ramp incorporated into it. I believe the Pedego has a Walk feature that you turn on by holding the button down on the lowest assist level... you can walk the thing right onto it.

My wife has the smaller frame City Commuter and loves it. It will certainly get you up the hills (and mountains too, for that matter). The thing is very strong!

 

[Berry78]

Awesome! Thanks for chiming in, Dave.

 

[J.R.]

The iGo Forum is not as encouraging as the Pedego Forum is. You can read the iGo posts here: (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

And the Pedego posts here: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/forum/pedego/

Good luck!

 

[Newbie ebiker]

The IGo is also going to be very heavy..over 50lbs. Just wondering how you narrowed it down to these two companies?

Since you are talking hills, I believe the IGo's geometry is going to be more hill friendly. The super-upright position on the Pedego may make hills more difficult. Hoping someone who has a Pedego in hill country could chime in here.

Both bikes have a hub motor, which generally aren't considered the very best for hills. Would you be willing to consider a mid drive? Another reason to consider a mid drive is flat tires may be easier to deal with, depending on the setup.

In your situation, a company's return policy is important (in case the bike doesn't do what you want it to), and what if something goes wrong, who is going to help you fix the problem?

Visit whatever bike shops are already in Helena to get a feel for who might help you with the regular bike maintenance. Then see who might help with your motor system.

Personally I will have to drive 2-3 hours for my motor maintenance (one way), so not everyone has a shop right down the street.

Lots of considerations, but this will be a big investment, and it is worth the extra effort to do a bit of legwork beforehand. Pedego is a company with a great reputation, I am not familiar with IGo.

So, check to see about return policies, maintenance, and repair issues. It is also important to test ride bikes to make sure they are comfortable.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I am leaning towards the Pedego. I did check with the one bike store and they are willing to work with me and Pedego would be on call for them

 

[Newbie ebiker]

The iGo Forum is not as encouraging as the Pedego Forum is. You can read the iGo posts here: (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

And the Pedego posts here: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/forum/pedego/

Good luck!

Thanks for the info!

 

[Newbie ebiker]

You might be able to make your life a little easier by getting the Thule rack that has the little ramp incorporated into it. I believe the Pedego has a Walk feature that you turn on by holding the button down on the lowest assist level... you can walk the thing right onto it.

My wife has the smaller frame City Commuter and loves it. It will certainly get you up the hills (and mountains too, for that matter). The thing is very strong!

Did get that rack. Want something reliable to carry such an investment. I am leaning towards the Pedego

 

[Berry78]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I am leaning towards the Pedego. I did check with the one bike store and they are willing to work with me and Pedego would be on call for them

Excellent! I also tried a city commuter, and it is a solid bike.

 

[Roseville]

All ebikes are heavier compared to the non ebikes.

Depending on your needs, consider a folding ebike.